Young Hoosiers believe marriage is not subject to whims of time

About 100 young adults representing Young Hoosiers for Marriage show their support for HJR-3, the proposed constitutional amendment to ban same-sex marriage. During a news conference, four members of the addressed the media and voiced their support to add back in the second sentence addressing civil unions as well.

Contrary to media reports, young Hoosiers do support HJR-3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman if Hoosiers are given the chance to vote this November. Wilson Perkins Allen Opinion Research showed that 54 percent of 18-34- year-olds support the proposed amendment. But perhaps more telling than the polls were the more than 100 young Hoosiers who gathered at the Statehouse on Tuesday. They represent that there are young people from around the state who care about marriage and desire the opportunity to vote this November.

As Young Hoosiers for Marriage, we believe in marriage equality -that the law should treat all marriages equally. But we believe the fundamental question that is too often overlooked is: What is marriage in the first place? Do we really want the government recognizing all loving or committed relationships? Or does the government care about marriage because it has found that relationship to be the least restrictive way to ensure the well-being of children and the flourishing of society?

We recognize that marriage is the bedrock of American civil society because it is based on the biological fact that reproduction depends on a man and a woman, and the reality that children deserve a mom and a dad wherever possible. This truth cannot change from generation to generation.

The past century has weakened marriage enough. As the children of divorced parents and single moms or dads, we are committed to rebuilding a marriage culture. Marriage should be about the needs of children rather than the desires and emotional bonds of adults.

And to be clear, protecting marriage as one man and one woman does not impact anyone's rights. Anyone can choose to love whom they desire. But if marriage is not protected as a unique relationship, the rights of children - our next generation - are taken way. That is why we want the opportunity to exercise our fundamental right to vote in November.

Our desire to vote on marriage is consistent with the over 77 percent of Hoosiers who also seek the opportunity to vote on HJR-3 this November. But will the legislature respect the desires of their constituents or will they buckle to the demands of power and money from those who seek to radically redefine marriage and thwart democracy?

Only time will tell. Right now, legislators in Indianapolis are debating whether the second sentence of the amendment - "A legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals shall not be valid or recognized"- should be removed.

But the Senate should restore this critical sentence because, without it, marriage remains vulnerable to redefinition and will more likely face prolonged litigation. This has happened in nearly every state that passed a marriage amendment with just the first sentence.

Moreover, allowing civil unions will satisfy no one.

And for those who say they want civil unions as a "middle ground," history contradicts their assertions. In every state where activists have worked to pass civil unions, or a similar statewide marriage-like legal status, they have subsequently fought for and passed same-sex marriage.

From our experiences in traveling and talking with people around the state most Hoosiers agree that it is time to vote on the entirety of the amendment.

The lobbyists claim we are on the wrong side of history, and the tides are changing. But as marriage scholar Ryan T. Anderson aptly notes, "It's not accurate to say the times have relegated the defense of marriage to the geriatric ward. And there's no such thing as being on the 'right' or 'wrong' side of history. There's only being on the right or wrong side of truth."

This is why we formed Young Hoosiers for Marriage - to show that there is a strong contingent of young Hoosiers who believe in preserving the truth about marriage. The media claim we don't exist. Freedom Indiana swears there is none of us left. But, as young Hoosiers, we are here. We stand to send a clear message that we uphold the truth of marriage, and are committed to rebuilding a marriage culture and to ensuring that children are not intentionally deprived of a mom and a dad.

So, to the Indiana legislature, please give Hoosiers the opportunity to decide the merits of the full amendment this November. This is Hoosiers' right and it's time to put this issue to rest.

Julie Kitchel

Young Hoosiers for Marriage

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Young Hoosiers believe marriage is not subject to whims of time

Contrary to media reports, young Hoosiers do support HJR-3, the proposed constitutional amendment that would define marriage as the union of one man and one woman if Hoosiers are given the chance to